eBay to Sellers: Buy Shipping Supplies from Diamond PowerSeller

eBay is heavily promoting a top PowerSeller in a marketing campaign aimed at other sellers. The campaign includes an announcement board post, exposure on the eBay blog, as well as emails to sellers that include monthly coupons for the purchase of shipping supplies.

While eBay killed the so called “level playing field” for sellers some years ago, it can still be surprising to see it blatantly favor one seller over all others. That’s the case with this unique promotion eBay is running on behalf of a merchant called Shoplet.

Last week, eBay posted an announcement advising Store owners of a new Promotions tool (see Monday’s Newsflash) in which it also announced “amazing discounts on the items and services you need to run a thriving business on eBay” with a link to receive more information.

Sponsored Link

eBay also sent emails to Store subscribers announcing the new Promotions tool and including a 25% off coupon for Shoplet. “Start saving with Shoplet Get 25% off shipping and office supplies.* Use coupon code (redacted). Expires 6/30/14.” The coupon is good for items listed in the Office and Packing & Shipping categories only, and a minimum purchase of $45 is required. As with other eBay coupons, eBay Store owners must pay with PayPal.

The unusual promotion is permanent – eBay said all Store sellers will receive 25%-off coupons through email and My Messages by the 3rd of each month, starting this month.

Shoplet was one of eBay’s earliest “diamond” level PowerSeller who came on board under the stealth Operation Catalog program in 2008.

eBay warned sellers not to use the coupons on product-sourcing purchases: “Any Seller that misuses the coupon by providing the discount to non-invited users or resells items they have purchased at a discount from the coupon will no longer be eligible for this discount and may also be removed from other eBay.com promotions and discounts.”